Raymond John Besch

Raymond John Besch, passed away Thursday, February 23, 2023, after a brief illness. He was 74 years old. Ray was born October 23, 1948 in South Bend, IN. He was the son of Willard Besch and Francesetta Bashaw Besch. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Teri French Besch; two children, Kris Besch Scarborough (Mark) and Raymond John Besch III; and a granddaughter, Bailey Scarborough Allen (Jordan). He has two siblings, a sister, Gaye Besch Wooldridge (Jim) and a brother, Dick Besch (Tammy).

Ray grew up in Niles, MI where he started his career working for Kawneer Architectural Aluminum Systems. He made a career of it and worked in this field for 41 years. He went on to work for Tubelite, Amarlite, and YKK AP USA before he retired in 2007. Ray also served in the US Army. He has always loved cars and Model A’s became his passion. Ray and Teri travelled to 49 states and 5 Canadian Providences in the Model A Coupe, all while driving and not trailering their car. In addition, Ray enjoyed travelling to Italy, Ireland, and Scotland with family and friends. For the past 20 years, Ray had a second job: He well known as “Santa”. He worked for Chick-Fil-A as their Santa, was a Santa for local cub scouts, church events, and made home visits.

Arrangements are being handled by Carmichael-Hemperley Funeral Home. There will be a Funeral Mass at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 101 Walt Banks Road Peachtree City, Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 10:00am. There will be a reception at the church following the Mass. At 2:00pm, on the same day, the family will host a “Celebration of Ray’s Life” at their family home. Ray knew how to live life big and left many friends and family who will miss him immensely.

If you want to make a contribution in his memory in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Sleep Apnea Association at www.sleephealth.org

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.carmichaelhemperleypeachtree.com for the Besch family.